Cory Davison’s primary school days have been blighted by his brave battle against an aggressive brain-cancer that threatened to take his life.

But now tumour-free the 11-year-old is looking to the future and preparing to start the next phase of his life, when he moves on to high school after the summer holidays.

The youngster, and his twin brother Cain, said an emotional goodbye to teachers and fellow pupils at Blyth’s Newsham Primary School, on Friday.

And Cory’s parents have thanked the school for their amazing support, during the dark days of their boy’s illness.

Dad Steven said the family will forever be indebted to Newsham Primary School for the way headteacher Anne-Marie Armstrong and the other teachers looked after Cory.

The 35-year-old said: “The school have went above and beyond the call of duty from start to finish, they have endeavoured to not only support Cory in education but also they have loved and cherished him and made him comfortable and happy during his time at Newsham Primary.

“Teachers even came to see him in intensive care during hard times for Cory and that alone is unbelievable consideration in my view. Without the help and care from Mrs Armstrong and her staff at Newsham Primary I can’t begin to imagine the struggle we would of had. They have taken excellent care of not just Cory but his twin brother Cain, big brother Liam and sister Demi, they have protected them so well emotionally during a terrible time for Cory and our family, We will never be able to repay them.”

Cory, from Blyth, was diagnosed with a rare and form of cancer when he was just six-years-old. Scans revealed he had an aggressive tumour, the size of a plum, growing around his brain stem.

The football-mad lad had to undergo a seven-hour operation as surgeons attempted to remove as much of the growth as possible, without damaging his brain.

But while performing the procedure, which ultimately saved Cory’s life, medics were forced to cut through delicate nerves, leaving the young patient paralysed down one side of his face.

Cain and Cory Davison with their teacher

Cory’s brave battle against the odds and determination to support other young cancer sufferers while still being treated himself have made him a local hero.

And it is hoped Cory will regain some movement in his face in time for his first day at Bede Academy in September.

Cory said: “I’m very sad to be leaving Newsham Primary because I love my teachers very much, they are like school mams and dads to me, they have looked after me so well.

“I am also looking forward to joining high school Bede Academy where I have visited and they have made me feel very wanted and I feel comfortable going there now”

Mrs Armstrong, headteacher at Newsham Primary, told the Chronicle everyone at the school had been inspired by Cory’s courage.

“Cory’s bravery in fighting so many challenges has been inspirational,” she said. “His smile and wicked sense of humour have helped us through many days. The family have been tireless in supporting Cory and raising money for others who may end up being affected in the same way and in the hope they can help find a cure. The way that the wider community have rallied round is testament to Cory’s popularity. We feel like we have been on every step of the journey with the family. The way they have involved us in the ups and downs that they have been through has been so important to us.”

And Michelle Fogarty, the twins’ year 6 teacher added: “It is hard to say goodbye to Cory and Cain but great to see them so well set for the next stage. It has been an absolute pleasure and privilege working with Cory, and his twin brother Cain. It is sad that they are leaving our school, but we are delighted they are ready to move on to the next stage in their education.”